Not Going Granite: Considering Quartz Surfacing

The recent post on today's remodeling choices sparked some great comments regarding granite counters, among other possible trends in residential design. Whether you love or hate granite, it's safe to say that it's dominated the residential market for the past decade or more, and doesn't appear to be phasing out quite yet. For those looking for something different, yet still in a similar price range, quartz surfacing is a great option. Here's why...

First off, there are tons of countertop options besides granite and quartz. From laminate to marble, the options are plentiful and worth looking into if you're on the verge of a remodel. That said, quartz is a great mid-range option that often lends itself to a more modern look.

Stain Resistant. Quartz counters are composed of 93% natural quartz and 7% resin. These surfaces are non-porous, meaning they won't absorb liquid or stains, which makes them ideal for an application where food and liquids are prevalent. Here are a few of the advantages of quartz:

Low Maintenance. Unlike granite, quartz surfaces don't need to be sealed. Once they are installed, they only require soap and water for maintenance.

Scratch Resistant. Quartz is an inherently durable material which makes a lot of sense for areas of high use, like the kitchen.

Sustainable. Most manufacturers offer options with some recycled content from demoed counters, like the example in image 4.